Text: Fani Nadki
Pictures: Fani Nadki, full album HERE
English
A few months ago I thought it would be another fateful year. No festivals, no concerts; no happiness ... But suddenly we began to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
That moment was when it was published that OEF would be possible to celebrate, even if it was a much smaller format (1000 people in principle, which as you know, was expanded to 5000).
Everyone happy, and everything ready to head to our favorite place; The battlefield in Trutnov.
This time I arrived the day before, enough time to camp and sit with good friends for a couple of cold beers and catch up. Happy as Larry, since the next day our favorite festival began. At an appropriate time we folded up and went to sleep, to be very fresh and start the day full of energy and power for the concerts and parties.
I woke up very early, because our nerves were on the surface. Only thinking about enjoying the event.
That day I bought the official OEF merch, there are always huge queues and it usually sells out quickly.
Bad luck for the “Freak Fest” since it was raining heavily during almost the entire event, luckily when the bands started the weather improved and allowed us to enjoy a great day. We had plenty of joy during all the shows, especially "Spasm" and "Insanity Alert", I will never be tired of seeing them live. And to our surprise, because accustomed to the type of bands that usually play in the OEF they were a little out of place; “Hate”, who gave a very remarkable concert.
That night I went to bed early, as the hardest day awaited us. I feel deep envy for all those people who only need to sleep 3 or 4 hours in a festival. It may be that I'm getting old, but I need my 8 hours of rest, more if I think about all the liters of beer ...
Saturday was a huge day, such a big level. Highlighting: “Schizophrenia”, the young Belgian guys have been hitting hard for a few years. Every time I can see them live is a blast. "Fleshcrawl" gave a brutal and very sentimental gig, it was the first since the terrible loss of their vocalist "Sven Gross". They put 2 large panels in his memory during the recital, very emotional.
The main dishes of the night came with the huge “Yacøpsæ” and “Schirenc plays Pungent Stench”, with their first set swept, just perfect.
Lots of people and lots of party, too many hours enjoying great live shows and the best company. 3 more bands closed the second day and the time to rest was coming, Sunday was going to be a hard day.
Luckily, today the party started at 12 a.m., which gave us enough time to rest and be 100% fit for the first band. Today I really wanted to see “Turtle Rage”, what a great live-discharge! And I wasn't the only one thinking this way. As soon as the Berlin duo finished playing, a large queue formed to buy merch. I have to mention a great point in their favor: the merchandise is very varied and cheap. The reason is very simple: they are in charge of doing everything (DIY), recordings, printing etc ... The cost is reduced and the merchandise reduces its price, great!
"Skorup/a" surprised me very pleasantly.
Bilos (Malignant Tumor)'s new band, “Sick Sinus Syndrome” was playing that afternoon.
Everything that followed was huge.
"God Dethroned", the most serious band at the festival, had to deal with the most "Obscene Extreme" moments I have seen in my 6 years as a spectator. Of course, a pristine and super professional concert, bravo!
And a perfect closing with "Schirenc Plays Pungent Stench" (this time playing his masterpiece -Been Caught Buttering- in full).
The level of all of the bands was incredible, most of them local bands and from different parts of Europe (“Black Sachbak” from Israel), it is clear that this is due to limitations, even so, the maximum quality level, as the OEF has every year, and an enviable environment. .. Happiness is what you breathe here.
This year, fewer people, but still the same feeling of a normal festival, which we really needed, after so much suffering.
A thousand laughs, a lot of glitter and above all; a lot of beer and happiness.
And to put the cherry on the cake; we partied in the tent until dawn and the last note sounded. As always the last freaks of the festival, dancing and singing classics by Maiden, Judas, Madonna, Abba etc...! What a good time we had ...
On Monday there was still the Official After Party with 5 bands.
This year it was held in the merch building, a lot more people than expected, yes, you could feel the party and the fatigue in the environment, but you had to endure.
Fast, loud and direct to blow your brain, that was what the 5 bands playing that evening did.
And after “Black Sachbak”, yes, I said goodbye to the enclosure until next year.
As always, the festival takes 10 out of 10 points. No discussion about this fact!
Well, it is the best festival in the world!
This year I have met even more wonderful human beings. It seems that you will have time to be with all the people you know, but it is a simple illusion. You enjoy yourself so much at the OEF that time flies.
I would have liked to spend more time with many of my friends and acquaintances, but it couldn't be.
It is always a pleasure to hear how people who go for the first time do not just think about repeating, but take it for granted, because this festival is addictive, and in a hardway ;)
Many thanks to all the people who have made these days unforgettable.
And of course, thank you from the deepest of my heart to Čurby and the wonderful crew from OEF; for making it possible for everyone to enjoy paradise on earth for a few days every year.
* Reminder about “Cashless” bracelets: if you still have some money, don't forget to take it out. The best option is to donate it to the crew or to Doctors Without Borders, since they do an amazing job worthy of recognition.
See you next year!!!!
The countdown has begun ... OEF 2022!!!!
